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Venisons Select T^lays 




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^eam of 

Queen Esther 

by 

\D.S.'£)enison ^Gompany 

'l^ublishers • Ghkago 
iurice 35 cents 




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Vi^. >S •v»-^ 



Plays for Schools and Colleges. 



AARON BOGGS. FRESHMAN 

By Walter Ben Hare. 

teinales. Time, 'IV2 houi 



acts; S males, ^ 
Price, 35^ Cents. 



AFTER THE GAME 

By Lincisey Barbee. Comedy in z acts: 1 male, \< 
females. Time, IV^ hours. • Price, 25 Cents. 

ALL A MISTAKE 



By W. C. Parker. Fai 
females. Time, 2 hours. 



Price, 35 Cents. 



ALL ON ACCOUNT OF POLLY 

By Harry L. Newton. Comedy in 3 acts; 6 mal. 
females. Time, 2\i hours. Price, 35 Cents. 

AS A WOMAN THINKETH " 

By Edith F. A. U. Painton. Comedy in 3 acts; 9 male.<. 
( females. Time, 'IV2 liours. Price, 35 Cents. 

AT THE END OF THE RAINBOW 

By Lindsey Barbee. Comedy in 3 acts; 6 males, 14 fe- 
males. Time, 2Vi houi-s. Price, 35 Cents. 

THE CLASS SHIP 

By Edith F. A. U. Painton. Commencement pl^iy- 
let; 3 males, ^8 females. Time, 35 minutes^ 

Price, 25 Cents. 

CLUBBING A HUSBAND 

By Edith F. A. U. Palpton. Comedy in 3 acts; 12 fe- 
males. Time, 2 hours. Price, 25 Cents. 

A COLLEGE TOWN ~ 

By Walter Ben Hare. Farce-comedy in 3 acts; 9 males. 
S females. Time. 2\i hours. Price, 35 Cents. 

THE DEACON ENTANGLED 

By Harry Osborne. Comedy in 3 acis; h males, 4 ir 
males. Time, 2 hours. Price, 35 Cents. 

AN EARLY BIRD 

By Lindsey Barbee. r^omedy in :: 
males. Time, 2\i, hours. Price, 35 Cents. 

THE FIFTEENTH OF JANUARY 

By Lindsey Barbee. U'omedy in ;: acts: 11 mali 
females. Time, -'i houis. Price, 35 Cents. 



THE GRADUATE'S CHOICE 

By Edith F. A. U. Painton 
ii-males. Time, o"* minutes. 



ment playlet; 11 
Price, 25 Cents. 



T. S. Denison & Company, Publishers 

154 West Randolph vStreet CHICAGO 



A Dream of Queen Esther 

A Biblical Drama in Three Acts 



BY 

Walter Ben Hare 

AUTHOR OF MORE THAN ONE HUNDRED PLAYS 
INCLUDING 

"AaronBoggs, Freshman" "AbbuSan of Old Japan," 
''Alrcuays in Trouble" "And Home Came Ted" 
"Assisted by Sadie," "Civil Service," "Deacon 
Dubbs," "An Early Bird," "Kicked Out of College," 
"A Little Clodhopper," "Macbeth a la Mode," 
"Mrs. Tubbs of Shantytov^n," "My Irish Rose," 
"An Old Fashioned Mother/' "A Poor Married 
Man," "A Rustic Romeo," "A Southern Cinderella," 
"The White Christmas and Other Merry Christ- 
mas Plays" Etc. 




CHICAGO 

T. S. DENISON & COMPANY 

PUBLISHERS 

r UV ■ 



A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHER 



P5 3515 



Respectfully Dedicated to 

BLANCHE NORTHRUP GEORGE 

With All Good Wishes 




gN O T I C E 

PRODUCTION OF THIS PLAY 
■*" is free to amateurs, but the sole 
professional rights are reserved by 
the author, who may be addressed 
in care of the Publishers. Moving 
picture rights reserved. <^ *^ 



COPYRIGHT, 1920 

T. S. DENISON 
& COM PANY 



-' ©CI.D 55158 



'-V,,T) 



A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHER 

For Three Men and Sixteen Women. 



CHARACTERS REPRESENTED. 

The King Ahasuerus of Persia 

MoRDECAi A Captive Jew at Shushan 

Hegai The King's Chamberlain 

Esther A Jewish Heroine 

Meesha Zabeel Her Servant, an Old Woman 

Hanana A Little Jewish Maid, Aged Eight 

KoosH . A Little Ethiopian Slave Girl 

Kazma Shimeel A Persian Singer 

The Lady Ozoona A Beautiful Shushan Maid 

Jakosha A Languid Lily 

The Princess Zuecca A Proud Lady from Media 

Nine Jewish Children. . . In Mordecai's Charge 

Eight Persian Rose Maids In Act II 



CHARACTERS IN THE DREAM. 

The Witch of Endor I Samuel XXVIII 

Rebecca , Genesis XXIV 

Miriam . Exodus II 

Deborah Judges IV 

Adah Judges XI 

Martha John XI 

Ruth Ruth I 

Electa // John I 



NOTE: Several persons may assume two parts: Witch and Zuecca; 
Ruth and Kazma; Hanana and Koosh; Rebecca and Ozoona; 
Miriam and Jakosha. The three male characters may be played 
by women. ' 



Time of Playing — About Two Hours a/nd Fifteen 

Minutes, 



A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHER 



THE STORY OF THE PLAY. 

Mordecai Is a noble captive Jew living In the Persian 
city of Shushan. He Is loved by all and dwells with his 
slave Meesha Zabeel and his adopted daughter, Esther. 
Hegal comes to him and Informs him that the King Is 
about to choose a wife from among the maidens of the 
kingdom and that Esther has been selected to present her- 
self for the contest. Mordecai thinks that If Esther be 
chosen Queen she may help her people, who are the cap- 
tives of the King. 

The King, in disguise, has saved the life of Esther and 
she cherishes a high regard for the unknown hero and 
therefore hesitates before presenting herself before the 
King, as she loves the man who saved her life, not knowing 
that it was the King himself. Mordecai tells her to enter 
the contest for the sake of her people and Esther hesitates 
between love and duty. She sleeps and has a vision ! Eight 
heroines of biblical history appear to her and tender her 
their advice. The first act closes with several beautiful 
tableaux, a scarf drill. 

The second act Is In the palace of the King. The King 
tells his chamberlain, Hegal, that he saved the life of a 
little unknown maiden and that he hopes she will be one 
of the contestants. The King retires and several Maidens 
enter for the contest. Each thinks that she will be the 
chosen Queen to the comical delight of Koosh, a little 
Ethiopian handmaiden, who attends the^ contestants. One 
by one the maidens are rejected until Esther appears. 
The King recognizes her and she Is chosen Queen to the 
delight of Koosh. A Flower Drill and Song occurs In 
this act and the act ends with a tableau: The Crowning 
of Esther. 

The third act of the play takes place nine years after 
the second act. The King neglects his wife and through 



A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHER 



the wicked influence of Haman, one of his princes, issues 
a decree that all the Jews in his kingdom are to be slaugh- 
tered. Mordecai visits Esther and in a great patriotic 
and dramatic scene appeals to her to save their people by 
going before the King and pleading for them. Meesha, 
the old nurse of Esther, loves her and warns her that if 
she appear before the King without his invitation it may 
mean her death. Mordecai pleads for his people, Meesha 
pleads for Esther to save herself. Esther decides to appeal 
to the King and "if I perish, I perish." She appears be- 
fore the King, who receives her and promises to aid her 
people. 

Among the characters introduced in the play are Re- 
becca, Deborah and the five points of the Eastern Star, 
Esther, Adah, Ruth, Martha and Electa. 



SYNOPSIS OF THE PROGRAMS. 

Act I — The housetop of Mordecai in the city of Shu- 
shan in Persia. Mordecai laments the fall of Jerusalem. 
A message from the King. Esther commanded to enter 
the contest for Queen of the realm. Mordecai ponders 
on the message. The little Jewish children sing and make 
merry on the housetop. Mordecai conducts their evening 
devotions. Esther appears and Mordecai delivers the 
King's message. Esther tells her nurse Meesha of her 
adventure outside the city gates. Esther dreams and eight 
heroines of Jewish history appear before her. Witch of 
Endor, Rebecca, Deborah, Miriam, Adah, Ruth, Martha 
and Electa. Scarf tableaux. 

Act II — In the palace of the King. The King is weary 
of the maidens who have appeared before him and tells 
Hegai of the beautiful maid he rescued without the city 
gates. Kazma sings the Rose Song with drill by eight 
Rose Maidens. Several maidens air their charms to the 



A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHER 



delight of Koosh, a funny little Ethiopian slave girl. 
Each is rejected by the King. Esther is chosen Queen. 

Act III — Nine years later. The Queen is sad at the 
neglect of the King. Mordecai appears and tells the 
Queen that all the Jews are to be slain at the order of the 
King. He begs her to intercede for her people. Meesha 
explains that to do this without the King's invitation 
would be almost certain death. Esther accepts the sac- 
rifice. "If I perish, I perish !" Esther appears before the 
King, who receives her, "The fairest among millions, alto- 
gether lovely." The King promises to save her people 
and the Feast of Purim is established. 



THE MUSIC OF THE PLAY. 

It is best to have an orchestra, if possible. A phono- 
graph might answer the purpose. The instrumental 
music should consist of such pieces as the Peer Gynt suite 
by Grieg, the Ballet Egyptian by Luiginni or the Over- 
ture to Mignon by Ambroise Thomas. 

The music of the songs called for in the Text may be 
found in "The Golden Book of Favorite Songs," 15 cents 
per copy, which can be supplied by the Publishers. 



COSTUMES. 

The King — ^A tall, virile man with a good speaking 
voice; choose one accustomed to speaking in public. He 
must have a dignified bearing and look every inch a King. 
The costume may sometimes be borrowed from Masonic 
bodies or other secret orders. The following costume is 
offered merely as a suggestion : Long white stockings, 
sandals. Long robe of cloth of gold reaching to the 
ankles. This may be made from a night-gown pattern 
of gunnysacking gilded with gold radiator polish. The 
robe is trimmed with a border of purple or scarlet fig- 



A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHER 



ured calico to simulate embroidery. A girdle of curtain 
chains is around the waist and hangs down the front of 
the robe. A long trailing robe of velvet is worn with 
this costume, except at times indicated in the text of the 
play. This robe fastens around the neck and trails on 
the floor about three feet. This royal robe may be made 
of purple or red velveteen and lined with sateen of the 
same color. A border of white cotton about one foot 
wide extends down each side. A stiff collar about twelve 
inches high and lined with cotton may be attached to this 
robe, if desired. A crown made of gilt cardboard and 
red velvet and a scepter about two feet long complete the 
costume. Wear all the flashy jewelry possible, chains 
about neck, armlets, bracelets, rings, etc. 

A dark, curly, rather long wig is worn and a mustache 
made from crepe hair the same color as the wig. Redden 
the lips with grease paint, darken the eyebrows and draw 
black lines under the eyes and on the upper lids. Rouge 
the cheek bones. 

MoRDECAi — An aged man with a deep voice. Choose a 
man who can portray the strong emotional side of the 
character. This is a difficult part and should be played 
by an orator of pronounced ability. The costume should 
be a simple dark-colored robe reaching to the feet and 
a striped mantle attached to the left shoulder and draped 
over the robe. White stockings and sandals. A long 
black robe, the kind worn by Episcopalian choir men, and 
a striped couch-cover would answer for this costume. In 
the first scene of the third act he wears a long flowing 
robe of tattered gunnysacking with a rope girdle. In the 
last scene of the play he resumes his former costume. 

A long gray or white wig is worn with a long gray or 
white beard. With gray grease paint draw wrinkles on 
the brow and around the eyes. In walking he uses a 
staff* about four or five feet long. 



8 A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHER 

Hegai — A man of fort3^ Quick and soldier-like in 
speecli and action. White stockings and sandals. A long 
robe similar to the King's but made of dark-colored cloth 
in solid color. A large striped mantle draped around head 
and shoulders. This costume should be borrowed from 
some lodge if possible and should be as rich and striking 
as possible. Make-up similar to the King's, but he wears 
a short beard. If costumes can be obtained from Masonic 
bodies or Oddfellows he may change to a guard's uniform 
in the second and third acts, but this is not really neces- 
sary. 

Esther — ^A beautiful maiden with distinct dramatic 
ability. The various emotions called for by this part will 
test tTie capability of any actress. A sharp line must 
be drawn between the girlish modesty of the first and sec- 
ond acts and the womanly emotion of the Queen in the 
third act. Remember that nine years elapse between the. 
second and the third acts. For the first and second acts 
she wears her hair down in curls with no ornaments. White 
stockings and sandals. Long robe of white cotton- crepe 
cut in Grecian style with elbow sleeves. White rope girdle, 
the robe trails slightly. Simplicity is the keynote of 
this costume. In the third act the hair is worn in two 
long braids on either side of the face and intertwined 
with pearls. A long trailing white lace dress spangled 
with silver. A white silver-spangled lace shawl may be 
attached to the shoulders and hang in straight folds down 
the front of the- dress, oi* a spangled tunic may be worn. 
Crown made from white lace and gold cardboard. Arm- 
lets and bracelets. The royal robe which she wears at 
the end of the second act and in the last scene is made like 
the King's royal robe, but in light blue. Use a very light 
make-up. 

Meesha Zabeel — A woman of sixty. Gray hair bound 
around her head. Sandals. Long flowing robe similar 



A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHER 



to Esther's first act dress, but of brown. Striped man- 
tle attached to left shoulder and draped over the robe. 
Brown cheesecloth (white stained with coffee) draped 
around head and shoulders. In the third act she wears 
the same robe, but a different mantle and shoulder dra- 
pery. The eyebrows should be painted gray with grease 
paint and wrinkles drawn on the forehead and around the 
eyes. This part should be played by a mature woman, 
if possible, with a deep resounding voice. The strong 
dramatic scene in the third act must be thoroughly re- 
hearsed. 

Hanana — A child, the younger the better. White 
stockings and sandals. Simple white robe reaching to 
the ankles, made from a night-gown pattern. Trim in 
bands of light blue cloth. Hair hanging. A simple cos- 
tume with no ribbons or lace or other ornaments. 

Children — Similar to Hanana. 

KoosH — A small person capable of playing a humorous 
part. A distinct capability for mockery and imitation is 
necessary for a successful delineation of this role. Red 
slippers, black stockings, orange sateen divided skirt 
reaching to ankles. Bright red sash. White baby waist. 
Orange sateen zouave jacket. Long black gloves. Much 
jewelry, curtain chains, armlets and bracelets of gold 
paper. Turban of orange and scarlet. Face, neck and 
ears blackened with burnt cork. Lips reddened with 
grease paint. A wig is not necessary as the drapery 
from the turban completely covers the head. In the third 
act she wears the same costume, but may add a spangled 
tunic or a striped mantle if desired. A pert, spoiled, little 
Ethiopian slave girl. A capable actress can make a big 
hit in this role. 

ZuECCA — A tall girl of about 27. Regal bearing. 
Elaborate trailing costume, spangled tunic, feather fan, 
crown, flashy jewelry, etc. 



10 A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHER 

OzooNA — A beautiful brunette. Costume of red sateen 
similar to the one worn by Koosh. Much jewelry. Black, 
spangled veil or tunic. 

Jakosha — A tall blonde. Costume similar to Zuecca, 
but pale green or blue. May be trimmed with white fur. 
Ostrich fan. Very languid throughout the play. This 
role stands out strongly and always makes a good im- 
pression on the audience. 

Kazma — A singer. Costume similar to that worn by 
Koosh, but light blue and white. Wreath of scarlet roses. 
Costume trimmed with roses. 

Rose Maidens — Similar to Kazma, but not quite so 
elaborate. 

Witch of Endor — Tall and commanding. Hair down 
in braids on either side of face. Dark blue costume simi- 
lar to that worn by Esther in the first act. Dark blue 
scarf draped around head and shoulders. 

Rebecca — Tall and dark. Orange colored costume 
and veil similar to that worn by the Witch of Endor. 

Deborah — Commanding. Dark green costume simi- 
lar to Rebecca's. 

Miriam — A maiden with hair hanging. Pink costume 
similar to Deborah's. 

Adah — Similar to Miriam only in light blue. 

Ruth — Similar to Adah only in yellow robe and veil. 

Martha — Similar to Witch, but in light green. 

Electa — Similar to Martha, but in bright red. 



THE SCENERY. 

The play has been successfully produced in many 
churches and schools without special scenery, only a front 
curtain and several oriental curtains at the rear. If the 
play is presented in a theater or hall where scenery is 



A DREAM OF QUEEN. ESTHER H 

available, an exterior setting should be used for the first 
act and a palace set for the second and third acts. 

The following description may offer suggestions to 
churches or societies with limited scenic facilities. It was 
actually carried out in a church with very little cost. 

"For the first act we borrowed a back scene represent- 
ing a landscape arid hung this at the rear of the platform. 
This was borrowed from a dry goods house and had been 
used in window decoration. We represented the house- 
top by a coping about three feet high running across 
the back of the stage, and down the sides from the rear 
to the front. This coping was about two feet from the 
rear and side scenes. The coping was made of brown 
paper tacked on oblong frames and painted with white 
paint to represent the mortar between the brown stones. 
For the side scenes we used dark green curtains and for 
the back scene the landscape mentioned above. For light- 
ing we had footlights made and two large engine head- 
lights that threw strong light on the stage from the sides. 
To subdue this light at times we held sheets of colored 
tissue paper in front of the glare with good eff*ect. 

"For the second and* third acts we simply covered the 
back and side scenes with oriental draperies. We made 
a dais for our throne by making a wooden frame eight 
feet high for a background with an oblong top extending 
from the back and held in place by braces. The throne 
was a square box with three steps leading thereto. The 
dais and throne were covered with coffee sacking 'gilded 
with radiator varnish. Two high-backed chairs borrowed 
from the chancel of an Episcopal church were placed upon 
the throne. The coffee sacking was trimmed with bands 
of royal purple muslin. 



5> 



12 A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHER 

PROPERTIES. 

Couch. 

Taboret. 

Zither on taboret. 

Seven-branched candlestick. (May often be borrowed 

from an Episcopal Church.) 
Oriental rugs and draperies. 
Bright cushions. 
Two large earthen water jars. 
Several large palms. In Act I set these behind the side 

parapet and in Acts II and III set them around the 

throne. 
Lighted candle for Meesha. 
Long wand for Witch. 

Veils for the Dream Heroines, of white tulle, five feet long. 
Throne. 
Eight garlands of roses, made of rope five feet long 

twined with natural vines and red paper roses. 
Crowns for King, Esther and Zuecca. 
Fur rugs for Acts II and III. 
Scroll for Mordecai. 
Scepter for King. 



PRONUNCIATIONS. 

Ahasuerus — A-haz-u-e'-rus 

Deborah — Deb'-6-ra 

Electa— E-lek'-ta 

Esther — Es'-ter 

Hanana — Ha-nan'-a 

Hegai — Hay'-gl 

Jakosha — Ja-kosh'-a 

Kazma Shimeel — Kaz'-ma Shim-eel'. 

Koosh — Koosh 



A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHER 13 

Meesha Zabeel— Mesh'-a Za-bel' (long "e") 

Mordecai — M6r'-de-ki 

Ozoona — O-zoon'-a 

Rebecca — Re-bek'-a 

Shushan — Shoo'-shan 

Zuecca — Zoo-ek'-ka 





- SCENE PLOT. 
Act I. 

Landscape 


/ Three Foot Wall \^ 


/ / \ \^ 


^ / 


oo\\ v% 

/> Couch Jars \\ \ 


/ (Right) 


/OTaboret Entrance 

(Left) y 


Acts II and III. 

Oriental Interior 


/ 


\ 


/ 


1 1 Couch \ 


Door 

T 


_1- 

Door 

Throne .jrr\\ 


/ 1 1 Couch vwiu 


/(Right) 


(Left) ^^\ 



STAGE DIRECTIONS. 

R. means right of stage; C, center; R. C, right center; 
L., left; 1 E.y first entrance; C7. £., upper entrance; R. 
3 E., right entrance up stage, etc. ; up stage, away from 
footlights ; down stage, near footlights. The actor is sup- 
posed to be facing the audience. 



A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHER 



The First Act. 

Scene 1 : The house-top of Mordecai, overlooking the 
city of Shushan. Entrance at left front. For description 
of scenery see page 10. Couch at right near front cov- 
ered with oriental drapery. Small taboret or table near 
couch. A seven-branched candlestick on this table. Sev- 
eral oriental rugs and bright cushions on the floor. Two 
large earthen water jars at left rear. 

Lights : Lights in auditorium out entirely. Lights 
shining on the stage should be subdued, down one-half. 
Strong yellow light from behind the scenes shines from 
rear left to give the effect of the setting sun. 

Music : A soft, plaintive, oriental air is played before 
the curtain rises and continues until Mordecai begins to 
speak. 

Discovered, Mordecai standing alone on the stage at 
center, a little to the rear and looking off toward the left, 
his arms raised, palms inward. 

Mordecai — 

Jerusalem, Jerusalem, mine ancient city, 
Falfen art thou, the proud, the beautiful! 

(Drops arms.) 
The heathen have come into thine inheritance, 
They have defiled thy holy temples. 
Battered thy gates, torn down thy palaces. 
Fallen art thou, Jerusalem, fallen, 
Jerusalem, the refuge and pride of my fathers. 

(Faces front.) 
IS 



\6 A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHER 

Here alone on mj house-top in the city of Shushan 

I stand, Mordecai, the Jew, with heart bowed down, 

The leader of a people carried captive, 

Carried captive into the country of Babylon. 

By the rivers of Shushan here I weep. 

My harp is hung upon the willow tree. 

Its strings of gladness now are mute. 

How shall it sing the Lord's song in a strange land.^^ 

They have carried us away captive. 

Captive into the city of Shushan — 

And now they bid us lift up our heads and sing. 

Our masters bid us sing, saying, 

"Sing unto us, sing us the songs of Zion !" 

How shall we sing the Lord's song in a, strange land.^^ 
Jerusalem, Jerusalem, if I forget thee 

(Facing to left,) 
Let my right hand forget her cunning. 
And my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth. 

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills 
From whence cometh my help — 
My help will come from the Lord, 
The Lord who made Heaven and earth. 

(Faces to front.) 

The waters hath overwhelmed us. 

The streams hath gone over our souls, 

But my trust is in the Lord! (Triumphantly.) 

I w^ill lift up mine eyes unto the hills 

From whence cometh my help. 

Meesha Zabeel enters at left, stands left front and 

hows to MORDECAI. 



A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHER 17 

Meesha — 

Mordecal, master! 

MORDECAI — 

Speak, Meesha Zabeel. 

Meesha — 

Hegai, the keeper of the women, 

The royal chamberlain of the mighty King, 

Awaits below. He'd speak with thee. 

MORDECAI — 

Bid him ascend. 
Meesha hows and exits at left, Mordecai comes to 
front, a little left of the center. Enter Hegai from left. 

Hegai (bowing) — 

Hail, Mordecai! Hail, venerable father! 

Mordecai — 

Peace be unto you and yours. 

Hegai — 

A royal commandment hath gone forth. 
Signed by the King and sealed with his ring, 
A law among the Persians and the Medes — 
That she who once was Queen of all our land, 
Vashti, the proud, is banished from the court. 

And 'tis commanded by the King that I, 

Even I, Hegai, keeper of the women. 

Shall gather all the maidens of the kingdom, 

From India even unto Ethiopia, 

To come before his royal presence here. 

And she who findeth favor in his sight 

Shall be the Queen and share th' imperial throne. 

A maiden dwelleth here with thee, I'm told, 

A sweet and gracious maid whose lovely face 

Lights like a star thy humble dwelling. 



18 A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHER 

MORDECAI 

'Tis true, there is a maid, my kinsman's child. 
An orphan she, a gentle modest flower 
That ne'er was meant to bloom in kingly halls. 
Hegai — 

The King commandeth that she do appear. 
It is his will and naught can alter it. 

MoRDECAI — 

Thy servant hears, thy servant will obey. {Bows.) 

Hegai — 

Then on the morrow bid this maiden come 
Attended, if you will, by that old nurse 
Who gave me entrance unto the royal house. 
Who knows but this sweet child will some day reign 
Upon the Persian throne? So, fare thee well. 

MoRDECAi — (Bows.) 

I'll lead thee down unto the street below. 

Hegai— (Eocits left.) 

I'll follow thee, most noble Mordecai. 

{Exits left.) 

There is a pause and then Hanana peers in at left en- 
trance. Soft music, '' Follow Me, Full of Glee.'' Hanana 
enters, looks around, then beckons to other children. The 
three largest Children enter from left. 

Hanana — 

There's no one here ; the master's gone away. 
Climb up the stairs, upon the roof we'll play. 

Enter sice little Children from left. The Children 
form two rows at center, five in front and five behind, 
facing the audience. They march forward and backward, 
singing. FOLLOW me, full of glee. 

Children go, to and fro. 

In a merry pretty row; 



A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHER 19 

Footsteps light, faces bright, 
'Tis a happy, happy sight. 

Swiftly turning round and round, (All turn round.) 
Do not look upon the ground. 

Follow me, full of glee, (Join hands, form circle.) 
Singing merrily. 
(Tripping.) 

Singing merrily, merrily, merrily. 
Singing merrily, merrily, merrily, 
Follow me, full of glee, 
Singing merrily. 

(They repeat the chorus and during this they line up 
in couples, one couple at left front, one at right front, 
one (the smallest) at center front. The four larger 
Children are slightly in the rear, one couple being right 
of center between the two front couples but to rear, the 
other couple left of center to rear.) 

Birds are free, so are we, 

And we live as happily; (Face partners.) 

Work to do, study, too, 

(Shake index fingers at partners.) 

Learning daily something new. 

Then we laugh and dance and sing, 

^ , . T ,, . (Balance to partners.) 

Gray as birds or anything. ^ ^ ^ 

Follow me, full of glee, 

c.. . -1 (Join hands, form circle.) 

hinging merrily. ^ 

(Chorus as before. For third stanza form as in the 
game London Bridge, two Children forming an arch, the 
others marching under as they sing:) 

Work is done, play's begun. 
Now we have our laugh and fun. 
Happy days, pretty plays. 
And no naughty, naughty ways. 



20 A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHER 

Holding fast each other's hand. 

We're a cheerful, happy band; 

Follow me, full of glee, 

c.' ' M (All join hands as before,) 

bmgmg merrily. \ »/ / 

(Chorus as before,) 

__ Enter Meesha Zabeel from left, 

Meesha — 

What's this I see? A band of children here? 
Hanana — 

We came up here to wait for Esther dear. 
Meesha — 

Dear little orphan babes, be of good cheer, 

My master loves you, you need have no fear. 

Children huddled in group at rear left. Meesha 
standing near them. Enter Mordecai from left. He 
crosses stage, deep in thought and sits on couch at right. 

Meesha (comes to center, facing Mordecai) — 
The little orphan children of thy race 
Are here to greet thee, Mordecai, my lord. 

Mordecai — 

Then bring them hither, with their childish prayers. 
Mayhap I'll find a solace from my cares. 

Meesha — 

Come, little ones, and greet our Mordecai. 

Children — 

Hail, Mordecai, the leader of our people. 

,^ (They stand before him.) 

Mordecai — v ^ / / 

Right welcome all, dear children of my race, 

(Sadly.) 

Dear captive children who have never known 

That power and joy that once belonged to us. 

Captives and slaves are ye in Babylon, 

And ye have never seen the holy city — 



A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHER 2^ 



The city of my tears, Jerusalem.^ 
But ye must not forget your heritage, 
Some day perchance you'll lead our people home. 
Again rehearse your patriotic vow. 
(MoRDECAi rises, all face to left with arms upraised.) 

Ai.1. — 

Jerusalem, Jerusalem, if I forget thee, 

Let my right hand forget her cunning, 

And my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth. 

MoRDECAI 

And now the hymn, the evening cradle song. 
(Children face front, cross hands on breast, drop 
heads and sing:) 

SOFTI^Y NOW THE LIGHT OF DAY. 

Softly now the light of day 
Fades upon my sight away ; 
Free from care, from labor free. 
Lord, I would commune with Thee. 

Soon for me the light of day 

Shall forever pass away ; 

Then from sin and sorrow free. 

Take me. Lord, to dwell with thee. 
{During the singing of this hymn the yellow light shin- 
ing from left is darkened by holding tissue paper in front 
of it. Meesha exits left and returns with lighted candle. 
She lights the candles on the table. Then the yellow light 
shines again, but with a blue glow, made by holding blue 
paper in front of it from behind the scenes. At the end 
of the hymn the children face Mordecai, who stands fac- 
ing them in front of the couch.) 

Mordecai — 

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. 



^ A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHER 

Children — 

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures, 

MORDECAI — 

He leadeth me beside the still waters. 
Children — 

He restoreth my soul. 

MoRDECAI — 

He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his 
name's sake. 
Children — 

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow 
of death, 

MoRDECAI — 

I will fear no evil for thou art with me. 

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of 

mine enemies. 
Children — 

Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth 

over. 

MoRDECAI — 

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me 
All the days of my life. 
All — 

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. 

{During the above exercise Hanana has gone to rear, 
sat down and leaned over the wall, looking down in the 
street.) 

Hanana — 

Oh, see, she comes ! I see her down the road, 
Esther, our loved one. She is coming home. 

(Children all go to rear and look down over the wall,) 

Children — 

Esther! Esther! Come here, here on the house-top. 



^ A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHER 23 

Hanana — 

She sees us. She's hurrying along, 

I'll be the first to greet her. (Goes to left front,) 
Children — 

No, I! Esther, Esther! {They join Hanana.) 

Meesha — 

See, Mordecai, see how the children love her. 

MORDECAI — 

And it is right, Esther's beloved by all. 
Modest and sweet, as fragrant as the roses in her 
hair. 

Enter Esther from left. The Children throng around 
her. 

Esther — 

Hanana here? And Ruth and Jacob, too.'* 
And all the other blossoms of my heart! 

{She kisses the smallest child, the others group around 
her as she approaches Mordecai, who meets her at center,) 

Mordecai — 

Here comes the Spring, flower-decked, on tripping 

feet. 
With love and laughter sweet, to melt anew 
The ice and snow that settle on my heart. 
Joy to the house hath come again, for now 
Your feet hath crossed the threshold, and the sun 
Of youth and love turns eventide to day. 

Esther — 

God set his face towards thee, my protector. 

This day and all days. {Kisses his hand.) 

Mordecai — 

And towards thee, my Esther. 

Meesha — 

Esther, beloved! {Comes to Esther's left hand.) 



24 A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHER 



Esther — 

Thy blessing, Meesha. 
Meesha — 

I clasp thee to my heart. Unto the throne of God 

(Embraces her.) 

I raise my hand and cry His blessing- on thy head. 
Esther — 

Ye have wrapped me about with the mantle of your 
love. 
Hanana — 

And now, dear Esther, sit ye down a while 

And we will gather at thy knee while you 

(Lead Esther to couch,) 

Shall sing our father's songs, or tell a tale. 
Esther — 

What shall it be? Of Nahum and the bears .f^ 

Or of the beggar maid of Babylon 

Who won the prince's love? Speak now, 

Will ye have talcs of love or wars or daring? 
Hanana — 

Of love, sweet Esther — of the beggar maid. 

MORDECAI — 

Alas, dear children, see the setting sun 
E'en now is sinking 'neath the Shushan gates. 
The hour grows late, no time is left for tales. 

Esther — 

To all a sweet good-night. On the morrow come 

And then perchance we'll spend the day in games. 

And ye shall ride my horse without the wall 

E'en to the river's edge, a picnic there, 

We'll sing and dance, play ball and roll the hoop, 

And I shall be a little child again. 

Farewell, sweet babes. 



A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHER 25 

Children — 

Dear Esther, fare thee well. 

Meesha— (Cross to left of stage.) 

Come, children, watch the stairs, the way is steep. 
{Exits left, followed by the children, saying, ''Farewell, 

Esther!'') 

Esther — 

Dear Mordecai, I do not like thy look, 

Thine eyes are troubled and methinks thy brow 

Portends a heavy heart. Nay, do not speak, 

{Leads him to couch,) 
But rest thee here and I'll sit at thy feet 
And hold thy hand and smile and try to comfort thee. 

Mordecai — 

The Lord preserve thee, Esther, from all evil. 
The Lord preserve thy going out, thy coming in, 
From this time forth forever more. 

Esther — 

Speak to me, sir, and if you'll deign 
To counsel with me, tell your woes. 
And I mayhap may lighten them. 'Tis true 
I'm but a child, but no where in the world 
Can you find one who loves you more. My all 
I'd gladly give for thee, the kindly heart 
Who had compassion on the orphaned child 
And gave me home, more than a father's love. 
Some day, perchance, I may repay the debt. 

Mordecai — 

Speak not to me of debts and their repaying. 
E'en as the myrtle vine twines round the tree 
So hast thou twined thyself around my heart. 
Esther, thou art a flower, a timid, perfumed May- 
bud, 
Culled in the shadv nook we call our home — 



26 A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHER 

Suppose some day a knight comes riding by 

And spies the fragrant flower. Nay, do not start, 

For it is nature's call, youth turns to youth. 

And soon the day must come when you will leave me. 

Esther — 

That day will never come, dear Mordecai. 
This is my home, like Ruth of old I'll say 
Thy people shall be my people and thy God my God. 

Mordecai — 

Like Ruth of old your heart will seek another. 

Esther — 

Nay, I am but a child, this happy home 
Is all I know, here let me live and die. 

Mordecai — 

The child's become a woman. On the morn 
You go with Meesha to the palace gates. 

Esther — 

The palace.? Nay, I do not understand. 

Mordecai — 

Know then that Hegai, servant of the King, 
Was here today and left this word with me: 
That Vashti, once the .Queen, is put away. 
And in her place the King will choose another. 
He's ordered that the fairest maids appear 
Tomorrow at the royal palaces. 
And from the throng the King himself will choose 
The maiden he desires to make his Queen. 

Esther — 

I could not be a Queen, I'm far too young, 
I'd rather stay here wath the babes at play. 

Mordecai — 

Nay, child, I gave my word that you'd appear. 
From thy dim nook perchance you will be raised 
To that fierce light that beats upon a throne. 



A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHER 27 

Esther — 

Nay, nay, I will not go. I'll run away and hide. 

MORDECAI — 

The Living God will keep thee In His hand. 
Look up, my child, and put my trust in Him. 

Esther— 

But I'm afraid, afraid, dear Mordecai, 
Of kings and palaces and heathen men. 

Mordecai — 

A woman of our race should know no fear, 

Bethink thee of the war-like Deborah. 

She judged her people 'neath the spreading palm. 

And even led her warriors in the fray. 

Suppose when they had named her judge she'd said. 

Nay, nay, I cannot lead thee, I'm afraid. 

And there's another, Miriam, the brave. 

Sister of Moses, when the sea gave way 

At God's command, did she hold back and say, 

Alas, I can't go on! I'm afraid! 

No, with a smile and song she went her way, 

Trusting in God, to glorious victory. 

And fair Rebecca, waiting at the well, 
She did not hesitate at duty's call. 
But left her father, brother, kinsmen all 
To wed a man whom she had never seen. 
Esther — 

Dear Mordecai, your counsel I'll obey. 
My trust is in the Lord. If 'tis thy will 
That I should seek the royal palaces. 
Thy will be done, tomorrow I shall go. 

Mordecai — 

There spake my child. Wilt go below? 

{Crosses to left.) 



?8 A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHER 

Esther — 

Nay, leave me here a while. Tonight I'll be 
A child and watch the little twinkling stars. 
Peep from the clouds and mock the lady moon. 
Tomorrow I'll fulfill my destiny. 

MORDECAI — 

Tarry not long, the evening air is damp. 
We'll wait below. (Exit left.) 

Esther — 

Farewell, farewell, to all my childhood days. 
This is the end, and now I fain would weep. 

(Rises, crosses to couch.) 
But pride must stifle tears, Miriam the brave, 
Deborah, Rebecca, they would never weep — 
I'll be brave as they. A throne, a crown, (Muses,) 
A Persian Queen? Esther, a Persian Queen .^ 
Oh, it's absurd amid a million maids 
Surely the choice would never fall on me. 
And yet (pauses) — and yet — Esther, the Persian 
Queen! (Muses.) 

Enter Meesha from L. She comes to Esther, softly. 

Meesha — 

Esther, my jewel! 
Esther — 

Meesha Zabeel, you startled me. 
TIT (Meesha sits on cushion near couch.) 

You dreamed perchance of things that are to come, 
A maiden's day dream all of life and love. 
Tomorrow you will go before the King, 
And all the other maids from far and near 
Will bow before my Esther's loveliness. 
Esther — 

Nay, I would rather tarry here at home. 
I'm all aff'righted at the thought of leaving. 



A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHER ^ 



29 



The noise and bustle of the court, the splendor, 
Music and dancing, shawms and psalteries. 
The soldiers marching 'neath the palace walls. 
The men, wine-heated, glare with wolf-like eyes. 
The women dream in languid indolence. 
The King himself, mayhap a wicked man — 
I am afraid ! I'd rather tarry here. 

lY'l -pi -pi C TT A — — 

But think, beloved, you may reign a Queen! 

I'd rather wed some simple Jewish youth. 
Noble and strong, with glances like the sun. 

You frighten me, for in your words I read 
A hidden danger. Is there such a youth.'' 

Esther — -, . ' ui- 

Dear Meesha, let me have my dream to-night, 
And on the morrow I'll accompany thee ; 
For Mordecai hath made my duty plain 
And I will do his bidding, though my heart 
Break with a secret sorrow. Hark to me 
While I unfold a little secret tale. 
Two months ago I wandered in the forest 
Without the city gates, I sought the river 
But I lost my way, on every side the woods 
Shut out the beaten path and I was sore afraid. 
A storm was coming on, the sky grew black. 
And distant thunder rumbled from the hills, 
Methought I heard a sound, a hon s roar, 
From out a near-by cave, I turned to flee— 
A deadly lion stood there m my path. 
Crouching he was with bloody mouth a-gape. 
I could not scream, I could not move, but gazed 
As a poor bird beneath a serpent's eye. 



30 A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHER 



Meesha — 

A lion? Oh, I should have died from fright. 
Esther — 

The beast crept toward me with Its eyes a-gleam, 
I closed my eyes and breathed a prayer to God ; 
And then I heard a shout, a mighty cry, 
The Hon turned enraged at this new sound. 
Turned to his death, a pointed spear was thrown 
And tore his frightful neck. A man appeared 
And fought and killed the mighty king of beasts^ 

Meesha — 
A man? 

Esther — 

And such a man ! Stalwart and brave 

He stood a living tower of strength. 

With kind and courteous mien he gave me drink 

And led me forth, e'en to the city's gates. 

Meesha — 

What was his name, my own? 
Esther — 

I never knew. 

For I was sore ashamed and at the gate 

I hid me by the well till he was gone. 

And trembling sought the refuge of my home. 

I've never seen him since. 
Meesha — 

Then it is well. Behke he was a slave. 
Esther — 

Oh, never! A lord perhaps, a miglity hunter, 
A courtier of the King, never a slave. 
Meesha — 

And was he old or young? 
Esther — 

Nay, that I know not. At least not very old. 
Nor yet so very young, just the right age. 



A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHER Ji 



Banish hiin from thy thoughts. In Shushan here 
Are many men and warriors. 'Twas a pretty tale, 
But as for him, you'll never see him more. 

Nay, Meesha, who can tell.? Now every night 
I pray to God to guide his feet aright. 

Think not of these things, but let your thoughts 
Soar like an eagle to the imperial throne. 

I'll do my kinsman's bidding, but I know 
Among a million maids I'm sure the King 
Will never glance at me. 

You're fairer than a rose. Fairest among millions 
Altogether lovely. If we but lived in Israel once 

again 
In ages past we could consult the witch. 

The witch.? (^" ^««^* "f "'^^)- 

j\/|-p>-p>CXT A 

The witch of Endor. Mighty Saul, 
The first of our great kings, consulted her,^ 
And from the deep she called familiar spirits 
That told him of the things that were to be. 

Esther — 

I know the tale, but now I am a-weary. 
Here will I rest, dear Meesha, on this couch. 
And you shall play for me upon the harp. 
This night I bid farewell to all my girlhood, 
Tomorrow I'm a woman. Play and let me dream ! 
(Meesha plays upon a zither. Soft oriental music 

heard, Esther and Meesha sleep. The Curtains are 

drawn,) Curtain. 



3T A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHER 

Scene 2 : The music continues. The curtains rise 
showing Esther and Meesha sound asleep. The Witch 
OF Endor stands at rear center behind the wall. She 
stands on a concealed box on a level with the top of the 
wall. 

Witch — 

Esther, Esther, Esther awaken! 
Esther — 

What was that? Methought I heard a call. 
Witch— {Arises,) 

You spoke of me, sweet child, and I appear. 

I'm here to do thy bidding. 
Esther {Comes to center of stage,) 

Who are you.^ 

Witch — 

I'm the Witch of Endor. 

Esther — 

The witch? Am I awake or do I dream? 

Witch — 

You dream, dear Esther. In your dream you'll see 

The heroines of Jewish history. 

To-night you're on the threshold of your fate, 

Make well your choice, tomorrow is too late. 

Hark to these women, mark their every tone. 

They'll counsel thee and giiide thee, but alone 

You must fulfill your destiny. Hearken then 

To Isaac's wife, mother of mighty men — '- 

Rebecca at the Well, I bid thee see 

And she will tell of strange things yet to be. 

The soft music continues, Esther stands by couch at 
right front, lost in wonder. Meesha sleeps. The Witch 
makes mysterious passes with her wand and crosses to left 



A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHER 33 



front. Rebecca enters from rear right and stands on 
box back of the wall at rear center. 

Rebecca — 

Esther, dear maiden, hearken unto me, 
And learn my lesson, that of constancy. 
I filled my pitcher at the well one day, 
A man was there, he said, Give me, I pray 
Water to drink ! I heard and did obey. 

It was a sign, my destiny was there. 
I followed him and came to Canaan where 
My bridegroom waited, Isaac, Abraham's son — 
Thus was the founding of thy race begun. 
Be constant, Esther, constant as the sun. 
(Rebecca takes her place beside The Witch, a little 
to the rear, while The Witch speaks the next lines.) 

Witch — 

Have faith in God, the type of Faith draws near, 
Miriam, sister of Moses, appear, appear! 
Miriam enters from rear right. She stands on box. 

Miriam — 

Hark to the voice of Faith that conquers all — 

Faith in the Lord who ruleth great and small. 

I was a little maid in Egypt wild. 

In bulrushes I hid a baby child — 

We trusted in the Lord, the baby smiled. 

The years passed by, we sought to leave the land, 
The Egyptians fast pursued our little band, 
The Red Sea parted at the Lord's command. 
And we were saved by faith. 
(Miriam takes her place to the rear of Rebecca while 
The Witch speaks.) 



^1 A DREAM OF QUEEN EST HER 

Witch — 

Constancy and faitli are virtues, mark them well— 
A woman once in Ephraim did dwell, 
A prophetess and judge she ruled the land, 
The type of patriotism! Deborah, stand! 

Deborah appears on box at rear center. 
Deborah — 

Dear daughter of an ancient kingly race. 
Thou art a Jew, in pride lift up thy face. 
Cast ofF thy fears, accept thy destiny 
And save thy people from the woe to be. 
(Deborah takes her place at right, behind the couch.) 
Witch — ^ 

And now behold four maidens from afar, 
There In thj dream behold the Eastern Star! 
Fair Jephtha's daughter will obedience teach, 

Witch Enter Adah from rear left. 

Martha, the worker, will of industry preach. 

Enter Martha from rear Hght. Adah and Martha 
appear on box. 

Adah — 

My father made a vow unto the Lord 
If victory was his, then of his own accord 
He'd sacrifice the first that did him meet, 
'Twas I, the daughter, perished at his feet. 
Learn then obedience. 

Martha — 

I was the wilHng worker in the home, 
A housekeeper, and never cared to roam, 
But did my simple duties every way — 
I did my best, 'tis all that I can say. 
The Master praised my industry one day. 
{They stand beside Deborah.) 



A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHER 35 

Witch — 

Sweet Ruth looks smiling from the golden fields 
And sings the joy the garnered harvest yields. 
Electa, a ministering angel thou. 
Comforting the sick, cooling the fevered brow ! 

Ruth and Electa enter and stand on box. 
Ruth — 

All the angels at God's throne. 

Blowing trumps of molten gold. 
Sing a song of love, of love — 

Love will last though worlds grow old. 
Hide thy dreams within a well 

Known to no one else but thee. 
Wall them in with chrysoprase, 

Onyx and chalcedony. 
Mortal, mortal, heed me well. 
In deeds of love excel, excel! 
Electa — 

If thou w^ouldst live a happy, cheerful life 
This is the keynote, charity to all. 
The pleasant smile, the loving heart, the hand 
Ready to aid the poor ! Feed ye the hungry. 
Clothe the ragged, assist the w^idow and the father- 
less. 
The ministry of woman serving all 
May be as noiseless as the morning light, 
But like the light diffuseth cheer and blessing. 

{The music continues as before. Esther comes to cen- 
ter, Ruth and Electa on each side of her. Electa hands 
Esther a white veil.) 

Esther — 

Electa and Ruth, Adah and Martha, 

Rebecca, Miriam, Deborah, and ye, 

O Witch of Endor, from my heart of hearts 



36 A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHER 



I thank ye for your counsel, and I'll heed 
The loving words that ye have tendered me. 
Witch — 

Electa from the north, Ruth from the south, 
Adah and Martha from the east and west— 
Ye need a fifth point for your mystic star. 
Martha — (At left front.) 

Martha, the sister, speaks of industry. 
Adah — (At right front.) 

Adah, the daughter, of obedience. 
Electa — (At left front.) 

Electa, the mother, type of charity ! 
Ruth — (At Esther's right.) 

And Ruth, the widow, sings of love. 
Esther — (At Esther's left.) 

Esther, the bride, can only dare to hope. 
Miriam — (At center.) 

Miriam bids you put your trust in God. 
Rebecca — (At Adah's left.) 

Rebecca at the well speaks constancy. 
Deborah — (At rear left.) 

Deborah says. Never forsake your people ! 
All (bowing) — (At rear right.) 

Then hail to Esther, Queen that is to be, 
We hail the bride who waits love's mystery ! 
(To soft music the nine ladies form in three groups 
of three each. Witch, Adah and Rerecca at left front. 
Martha, Electa and Deborah at right front. Ruth, 
Esther and Miriam in center a little to the rear of the 
other groups.) 



A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHER 37 



Tableau I — 

Witch kneels on left knee, veil held across body by 
both hands, left hand down, right up. She looks at 
Adah. 

Rebecca kneels on right knee, right hand down, left 
up, looking at Adah. 

Adah takes bne step backward, veil held with both hands 
over head. She bends backward as far as possible. 

The other groups form the same picture. 

Tableau II — 

Witch and Rebecca rise, step back a step. Adah 
advances one step and kneels, her veil over her shoulders, 
arms crossed on breast, head down. Witch and Rebecca 
extend their veils toward Adah, forming a V. Other 
groups the same. ^ 

Tableau III — 

All form circle around Esther, veils held in both hands 
over heads, Esther remains kneeling. The others move 
in rhythmic step forward and back toward Esther three 
times. Then form a semi-circle back of the kneeling 
Esther. 

Tableau IV — 

Esther rises, arms crossed on breast, veil over shoul- 
ders, looking upward. The others all kneel with arms 
crossed, on breasts, looking down, their veils over their 
shoulders. Meesha still sleeps. 

Slow Curtain. 



A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHER 



The Second Act. 

Scene 1 : In the palace of the King. On the left, in 
front, the King's throne is raised upon a platform to 
which three steps ascend. The King is seated on the 
throne, Hegai stands at center, facing throne. Loud, 
oriental music is heard. Lights on full. 

King — • 

Go bid the court musician stop that music, 
And I would rest a while, keep out the maids. 

Hegai — 

Your orders I obey. 

Tj-j^^ {Backs out bowing, exits right.) 

The beauteous maidens of my mighty realm 

Are as the desert sands, they weary me! 

Their painted lips and leering eyes are full 

Of languid beauty as the lotus bud. 

Lily and lotus, red pomegranate, purple passion 

flower, 
I'm satiated with their gaudy blooms. 
And fain would see a modest timid wild-flower. 
Radiant and white, pure as Mount Carmel snow. 
Hegai, attend! 

Enter Hegai from right. He hows to the King. 

Hegai — 

Live forever, King Ahasuerus — 

King — 

Some four score maids have passed that door today, 
The beauties of my kingdom, some were fair. 
And others passing strange to look upon. 
There's one smart damsel blacker than a coal, 

39 



40 A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHER 

Methought at first it was our playful Koosh 
Bedecked in gold and jewels in passing jest. 

Hegai — 

The black maid Koosh is playing by the lake. 

King — 

In sooth she is as fair as some I saw. 
One maiden from the court of Babylon 
Was thin, ah very thin, and seven feet tall, 
And by her side waddled a sweet young thing 
Dressed in a tent, she weighed two hujidred pounds ; 
From India and Egypt have they come. 
And some were wondrous fair. It pleaseth me 
To read each face, here I saw Greed and Cunning, 
There Indolence, Stupidity or Folly, 
Anon came Pride, Self-love and Avarice, 
Followed by Vanity or by grim Ambition. 
In all the throng I missed the face I sought. 

Hegai — 

Ah, you seek a maid.? 

King — 

Hegai, friend. 

You've said the word, I seek a maid. 

Some days ago I hunted in the forest 

Without the city walls. I was alone 

For it was rumored that a band of lions 

Had wandered from the mountains. I found their 

trail 
And followed it for many a weary mile, 
A storm was coming on, the wood was dark. 
When suddenly I heard a lion roar — 
I shouted in my fury, for I saw 
A crouching beast about to make a spring 
Upon a tender maid. My spear I threw 
And slew the lion there before his cave. 



A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHER 44 

The maiden was the fairest, dearest maid 
That e'er the eyes of mortal looked upon. 
Her face was lily pale, her hair unbound 
Flowed as the night flies o'er the desert sands. 
Hegai — 

You learned her name? 

King — 

Nay, that I never knew, 
She'd lost her way, I led her to the gates 
And lost her in the crowd. 'Twas for this maid 
That I did issue my decree today. 
I bade you search the city, nay, the kingdom, 
For all the fairest maidens in my realm, 
Thinking that she, the very queen of beauty. 
Would surely be found out. All day I've watched 
The maidens pass before me — the dark-eyed queens 
From India's coral shores, blondes from the North- 
land, 
The wistful, brown-eyed maids from Caspian's sea. 
The tawny-haired enchantresses from Nineveh, 
Sinuous arid sparkling, as a serpent's brood. 
These have I seen and yet I wait in vain 
For one sweet Shushan maid with violet eyes. 

Hegai — 

My lord and king, a group of Shushan maids 
Await without to cheer thy hours with song. 

King — 

Let them come in! (Hegai hacks out at right.) 

Mayhap she'll be among them. 

The little timid maid I rescued from the lion. 

Enter from right eight Persian Dancing Girls, hearing 
garlands of red roses. They form a semi-circle, moving 
to soft music. Then enter Kazma Shimeel, who comes to 
center and sings: *^The Message of the Red, Red Rose,^' 



42 A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHE^ 



The Message of the Red, Red Rose. 

Wklter Ben Hare. Henry Betlmel Vincent. 

Andante con moto espressione. 



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whis-pers, too, of wed-ding bells; 
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A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHER 



43 



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A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHER 



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A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHER 



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46 A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHER 

DIRECTIONS FOR THE DRILL. 

Step: A modification of the waltz hesitation, but 
slower, somewhat like a stately walk. In first count throw 
weight on right foot and put left foot daintily in front 
of right foot now touching the floor. While pointing toe 
sway body slightly toward left. Hold this position for 
two counts. Thus in a waltz measure you count one, two, 
three, four, five, six; on one and four point the foot, first 
right and then left. This simple step proves very effective. 

As soon as the song starts all assume Picture I. 



3-4 5-6 

1-2 7-8 

(Right) KAZMA (Left) 

PICTURE 1 

1, 3, 5 and 7 hold garlands in left hand, others in right. 
On the first two lines of the song the partners face each 
other, not directly but quarter-face toward audience. Rest 
full weight on foot away from audience and point other 
toe at the same time raise the garlands until an inverted 
V is formed, the flowers drooping downward from the 
angle. Look towards garlands and smile. This action 
on the first two lines of song. Hold tableau until Kazma 
sings ^'In June, in lovers own month it comes,^^ then slowly 
form Picture II, using step as before; 1, S, 3 and 4 cross 
arms and form an X, 5, 6, 7 and 8 likewise. 



/.:x: 




:x:\ 


/ (Right) 


KAZMA 
PICTURE 2 


(Left) \ 



A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHER 47 



All have left hands joined and hold garlands in right 
hands. Garlands held high. As Kazma sings the last 
four lines the X's revolve with step. 

For Chorus resume Picture I. Clasp hands witJl part- 
ners and advance and retreat to partner. Then form same 
picture but closer to Kazma and all repeat the Chorus. 

At the beginning of second verse all form Picture /, 
but as soon as Kazma begins to sing, 2 and 7 turn their 
backs to the audience and face 1 and 8, 2 and 7 being 
nearer front of the stage. With garlands over shoulders 
1 and % join right hands with arms extended and revolve, 
as do 7 and 8. 

At the same time 3, 4, 5 and 6, at the beginning of the 
second verse, meet in a line at the rear facing front. With 
hands held high and touching, they move in a line for- 
ward and back, while the other two couples revolve. This 
action on the first four lines of the second verse. 

On the last four lines of the second verse, 1, 2, 3 and 4 
form a circle at right rear and 5, 6, 7 and 8 do the same 
at left. These circles revolve. 

Just before Kazma begins the chorus to the second 
verse all form Picture III. 




KAZMA 
PICTURE 3 




Picture III forms a perfect inverted V with girls hold- 
ing garlands with both arms extended over heads. Hold 
this picture while Kazma sings the chorus. 

Then all repeat chorus, Kazma standing at center, the 
others grouped closely around her, holding their garlands 
so that Kazma appears in a frame of roses. 



48 A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHER 

At the end of the song all kneel on right knees, arms 
and faces toward the throne. 

Kazma — 

Hail, King of Kings, King of the East and West, 
Thy servants thee salute ! 

Thy song hath pleased me. 
But arise, I'm dizzy with your adulation. 

Enter Hegai from right, bowing to the King. 
Hegai — 

What is your will, O King.? 

Take them away. 
And give them presents in the outer court. 

(.Hegai, Kazma and Maidens bow, then retire at right, 
backing out with right arms upraised toward the throne.) 

King — 

She hath not come, my heart is sad within me, 
Her mouth was music, sunshine was her hair — 
Her eyes were violet pools of deep, deep blue 
Reflected from the purple of the skies ! 
Hegai, attend! 

Enter Hegai from ris^ht. 
Hegai — ^ ^ 

My lord's command.? 
King — 

The maidens all have passed.? 
Hegai — 

Not so, O King, I've kept the best till last. 
King — 

The best, sayest thou? Then surely she is there. 

Let them come in — 
{A loud wailing cry is heard off stage at left, followed 
by sobbing.) 



A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHER 49 

King — 

What noise is that? Go, silence it! 

(Exit Hegai at right.) 
It sounded like the wailing of a child. 

Enter Hegai from ris^ht, 
Hegai — ^ ^ 

'Twas Koosh the Ethiopian slave who cried, 

King — 

The Ethiopian child? Her father was my slave. 
He saved my life, drank of a poisoned cup 
And died before mine eyes, that I might live. 
Who dares affront the little, playful maid? 

Hegai — 

Princess Zuecca of the royal strain 

Of Media, exasperated at some childish prank 

Struck Koosh and made her weep. 

King — 

I know the haughty princess by repute. 

Her father is my friend and royal cousin. 

He seeks to make her queen ! Send Koosh before me, 

I'd speak with her. 

Hegai — 

At once, O King! (Exit right.) 

Enter Koosh from rip;ht. 
KoosH — ' ^ 

I heard you say come in, and here I am. 

{She kneels on both knees, facing the throne, bends 
over placing palms of hands flat on ground and bows 
forehead on them.) 

King — 

Thou'rt welcome, little Koosh, for thy good father's 
sake. 



50 A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHER 

KOOSH — 

Hail, King of Kings, Hail, King of the East, 
King of the West, King of the Sun and Moon and 

Stars, 
Thy servant and thy slave, Koosh here salutes thee. 

King — 

Arise and state thy woes. 

Koosh — 

My woes, O King, are many as the ocean — 

First I am small and young and black and no one 

loves me. 
I tarried in the palace of the women, 
Watching the peacocks strut before the glass. 
They'd look a while, first this way and then that, 

(Imitates.) 
They'd practice how to smile, purr like a cat. 
Then shrug their shoulders so, and raise their arms, 
Walk back and forward, seemed almost afraid 
To put their feet upon the floor only their toes. 
Pointed like this ! And thus they walked and purred 

and smiled. 
And each one thinks that you will make her queen. 
Princess Zuecca she's the worst of all — 
She saw me laughing at her and she cried in fury, 
"Thou base-born slave, fetch me a cooling drink!" 

King — 

And thou.? 

KoosH — 

Oh, I — I hurried forth to do her bidding. 
But as I passed the golden goblet to her, 
I was bewildered by her spotted beauty. 
And spilled the water down her golden robe. 

King— (Roguishly.) 

Oh, that was wrong, 'twas very, very wrong. 



A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHER 5_1 

KOOSH — 

Full well I know it, mighty King, for she 

Turned like a sandstorm, struck me in the face 

And pushed me from her. On the floor I fell 

(Childishly,) 

And cut my arm upon the golden throne. 

I saw the blood and straight began to scream. 

And then another maiden standing by, 

A sweet, shy maiden in a modest gown, 

Came to my side, knelt, bound up the wound. 

With words of comfort. Wherefore, mighty King, 

If you would harken to your faithful Zoosh, 

You'll seek no further, but make that maid your 

Queen. 
King — 

Were her eyes violets, golden beams her hair.^ 
KoosH — 

No, King, her eyes were eyes, her hair was hair. 
But she's the gentlest, kindest maid 
I've ever seen from here to Babylon. 

King — 

Methinks it is the same, the little maid 
I rescued from the lion. Hegai, attend! 

Enter Hegai from ris;ht. 
Hegai — ^ ^ 

Your wish, O King.^ 
King — 

I have a scheme to try. 

And if it is successful I shall know 

Which maid without is worthy to be Queen. 

{Arises, removes crown,) 

Have these maids seen you.^^ 
Hegai — 

Not so, my King, I have no time for maidens. 



52 A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHER 

King — 

'Tis well, then, 'twill help me choose a Queen. 
Come, Hegai, into my inner court and there 
I will acquaint you with a cunning plan. 
Koosh, bide you here ; whate'er you see 
Betray us not, neither by word nor sign. 
Bid all the maidens now assemble here. 
(King and Hegai cross to L. Hegai raises the curtain 

and King ea^its left, followed by Hegai. Koosh goes to 

door at right.) 

KoosH — 

Come in, come in ! The King bids all assemble. 

Enter from right the Lady Ozoona, she comes down to 
center facing audience. 

Ozoona — 

I am the first, bid all the others wait, 

Give me my audience and they will wait in vain. 

Enter from right Jakosha and Kazma Shimeel. 

Jakosha — 

The palace of the King, it is so beautiful 

That I am faint for joy. (Very affectedly.) 

Maiden, attend me. I'm used to Tiaving slaves, 

A score of soldiers and a score of maids 

Always accompany me when I leave my house. 

Koosh — 

The King commands you all to tarry here 
Until he doth appear. 

Jakosha — 

Then fan me, girl, the heat is stifling. 

Ozoona— (Koosh fans her.) 

Remember, I'm the first, the Lady Ozoona 
Will not give place to others. Stand aside ! 
(To Jakosha, who has moved nearer the throne.) 



A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHER 53 

Jakosha — 

Speakest thou to me? Then take a gentler tone, 
The roughness of thy voice will make me faint. 

Kazma — 

I thought the King was here. When he appears 
I'll sing and charm his ears with Persian themes. 

(At left,) 

Enter the Princess Zuecca, she comes regally down 
center. 

Zuecca — 

Give way, give way. Princess Zuecca comes. 
The King hath sent for me and I am here 
At his command, my lover and my husband. 

OZOONA — 

Nay, gentle princess, he's not made his choice. 

And when he does mayhap 'twill fall on me. 
Jakosha — 

Or me, for I am very beautiful. 

A Babylonian poet sang my wond'rous beauty, 

Fair as parrot in the setting sun. 
Zuecca — 

I've seen a parrot drabbled by the rain, 

So stand aside, for I'm of royal blood. 
Kazma — 

And I have never heard a parrot sing. 

The King, you know, is passing fond of music. 
Jakosha — 

Such words, such rude remarks, I'm feeling faint ! 

OzOONA— (^^^* ^« '■^'^'■•) 

Where is that other maid, the one who stood 
With some old slave and never spoke a word. 
Zuecca — 

Belike she's smiHng at herself in the mirror. 
Such clothes and such an air! Who let her in? 



54 A DREAIVI OF QUEEN ESTHER 

OZOONA 

No doubt she had a summons, but I'm surprised 
That such a maid would dare to show her face. 

Enter from right Esther and Meesha Zabeel. They 
stand timidly at right, 

Jakosha — 

Behold she cometh, silent as before, 

The splendor of the company frightens her. 

ZUECCA — 

Maiden, dost think that thou wilt make a Queen? 

^ (To Esther.) 

Esther — 

Nay, that I do not know. Mordecai, my kinsman. 

Bade me appear, and shall I not obey him.^ 

OzOONA 

Your clothes and bearing speak your lowly birth — 
I have braided my hair with threads of gojd. 
Red gold in my ebony tresses. 
Kazma — 

I have crowned my curls with fire-red roses, 
Heavy with perfume, alluring to the senses. 

Jakosha — 

I have hung great gems about my throat, 
Onyx and beryl from the mines of Ophir. 

Zuecca — 

And I am crowned with gems and beaten gold, 
A regal crown such as becomes my rank. 

( With scorn.) 
Tliinkest thou to stand uncrowned before tlie King? 
Where are thy robes of state, where is thy crown? 

(Esther looks sadly down, Meesha comes down between 
Esther and the other ladies, faces Zikcc a and speaks 
regally. ) 



A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHER 55 

Meesha — 

She needs no earthly crown to show her royalty, 

She is God's servant, the daughter of a Kmg! 
Others — 

A King? 
Meesha — 

Her virtues are her crown — 

They shine with brilliancy surpassing pearl or ruby. 

Your crowns some day will crumble into dust. 

The crown of her good deeds will never tarnish. 

Enter the Kixg from right, without the royal robe and 
crown, 

Kixg {comes down center) — 

The King anon will sit upon the throne. 

The maidens will retire and one by one 

He orders each to appear before him. 
Jakosha — 

Tell me, gentle sir, the King's desires. 

Doth he like tall maids, swaying like lilies? 
ZuECCA — {Close to Kixg.) 

Not so, he wants a regal w^ife. 

Of royal blood and lineage over all. {Close to Kixg.) 
OzooxA — 

Men's hearts are ruled by beauty, therefore I 

Will sway his heart, for men have died for me. 
Kazma — 

If he but listens to my song of love 

All other things forgot, he'll think of me. 

KlX^G — 

I pray you step aside, wait there a while. 

ZuECCA {Points to right.) 

We will await the pleasure of the King, 
But when I come — remember, I'm a princess. 

{Exits right.) 



56 A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHER 

Jakosha — 

Alas, more waiting! I am growing faint. 
Summon my slaves ! What ho, my slaves, without ! 

OzooNA — (Exits right.) 

I will await with pleasure, for I am sure 
That when he sees me, he'll no further seek. 

Kazma — (Exits right.) 

I'll tune my harp without and wait his bidding. 

(Exits right.) 
Esther approaches the King, bowing. 

Esther — 

Farewell, kind sir. 

(She looks at him for the first time. Meesha and 
KoosH at rear.) 
King — 

Maiden, we've met before. 
Esther — 

'Tis he ! Now Heaven give me strength 

For I must still the longing in my heart 

And do my kinsman's bidding. 
King — 

No word for me? Have you forgot the time. 

Our meeting in the forest.? 
Esther — 

Nay, gentle sir, accept my heartfelt thanks. 
King — 

Only thy thanks.? 
Esther — 

My thanks and gratitude, deep in my heart 

Thy bravery and kindness stay forever. 
King — 

I hoped some day to see thee once again, 

To wander with thee by the river's edge, 

To whisper in thine ear a mystic tale — 



A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHER 57 

Esther — 

No more, kind sir, I dare not listen further 

Until I've seen the King, my heart must be a stone. 

King — 

Thou thinkest then but on the royal honor? 

Esther — 

I think upon the kind old man who brought me up, 

My more-than-father, he hath ordered me 

To appear before the King, my life is his, 

In spite of all the world, I must obey. Farewell! 

{ Exits right.) 

Meesha bows and exits at right, Hegai enters from 
left wearing the royal robe and crown. 

Hegai — 

Is it your pleasure. King of Kings, that I 

Ascend the throne? 
King— 

Even so. (Hegai ascends the throne and sits.) 

Now let the trumpets sound. 

And when I give the sign that maiden is the Queen ! 

Trumpets sound. Soft music is heard. Kazma enters 
from right, kneels in front of the throne. All this action 
very slow. Hegai extends scepter, Kazma kisses it, sighs, 
hows head, rises and backs out at right. 

KoosH — 

Kazma Shimeel, the nightingale of Persia, 
Farewell, sweet bird, you'll sing in other gardens. 
(The speeches of Koosh should be delivered in a pert, 

mocking manner with exaggerated gestures, grimaces and 

bows.) 

Enter Ozoona from right, she advances slowly and 
kneels before the throne. Hegai slowly extends scepter, 
she kisses it and rises. 



58 A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHER 

OZOONA 

I thank the stars above for this, 

That there are other men in Persia 

That worship even now at beauty's shrine. 
KoosH — (Backs out at right.) 

The Lady Ozoona loves but one thing in the world. 
King — 

And what is that, O Koosh.^^ 
KoosH — 

The Lady Ozoona ! 

Enter Jakosha from right. She speaks to Koosh. 
Jakosha — 

Support me, slave, I never felt so faint. 

(KoosH tosses her head and turns aside, Jakosha kneels 
before the throne. Hegai extends the scepter. She kisses 
it and rises.) 
Jakosha — 

My lord, I'm like a gentle swaying lily, 

I'm overpowered with all thy kingly beauty. 

Here must I stay; I fear I cannot move. 
Hegai — 

Assist her, Koosh! (She does so.) 

Jakosha — 

Alas, great King, open thine ears to my grief. 

Here let me stay and cheer thee with my tears. 
Hegai — ( Weeps. ) 

Take her away. 

(KoosH leads her out at right, then immediately returns 
and imitates the action of Jakosha weeping before 
Hegai.) 

KoosH — 

Alas, great King, I am a golden sunflower, 

(Weeps loudly.) 
Here let me stay and cheer you with my tears. 



A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHER 59 

And if you will, I'll weep the whole day long, 
Perhaps you'd like a living fountain here? 

{Imitates,) 
Support me, slave, I never felt so faint ! 

{Retires to rear,) 

Trumpets sound. The music continues. Enter Zuecca 
from right. She kneels at the throne. 

Zuecca — 

My lord and King, Princess Zuecca, I, 

Your kinsman and your subject, of the royal blood. 

My wealth is plenteous as the desert sands. 

My charms as many as the ocean waves. 

If 3^ou do choose me Queen I'll help you rise 

Until you are the conqueror of the world. 

King — 

The King will choose for love and love alone. 

Zuecca — 

Be silent, slave, I did address the throne. 

Hegai — ■ 

Princess Zuecca, he hath answered for me. 
{Extends scepter slowly. She gazes at it angrily, starts 

and then controls herself with a mighty effort. She rises 

and gazes scornfully at Hegai.) 

Zuecca — 

I am dismissed.^ That is your final word.'^ 

Hegai — 

Proud lady — 

Zuecca — 

Nay, say no more, it is enough, I am dismissed. 

KoosH— {Exits right,) 

She frightened me with lightning in her glance, 
She's like a summer whirlwind, cloudy and dark, 
Then suddenly the fire bursts forth and thunder's 
heard. 



60 A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHER 

If I were King and she the only maid 

That lived upon the earth, I'd die a bachelor. 
King — - 

How many more are waiting there without? 
KoosH — 

Only one more, great King, but such a one ! 

The rarest, sweetest maid in all the world. 

I saved the best till last. 
King — 

Hegai, come down, we'll play the jest no longer. 

Give me my crown, I'll be the King again. 

(Sits on throne.) 

Now bid the trumpets sound, a Queen approaches. 

The fairest among millions, altogether lovely ! 

Trumpets sound and the music continues, Esther en- 
ters from right, eyes cast down. She kneels before the 
throne. 

King {rises and comes to her, lifts her up) — 
Arise my own, look in mine eyes and see 
The man who saved you from the lion. I am King. 

Esther (surprised) — 

The King, my lord, the King! (kneels). 

King — 

The King of all the land, your King, my Queen, 
Call out the heralds, sound the harps and timbrels, 
Let all rejoice for I have found my Queen! 

The music swells louder. Koosh exits at right and re- 
turns with a royal robe which she clasps over the kneeling 
Esther. Singing heard without. All the second act char- 
acters and the children of Act I appear, marching in 
couples, singing: 

hallelujah chorus. 
Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah! 
For the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth! 



A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHER 6^ 

The kingdom of this world is become 
The kingdom of our Lord, and of His Word, 
And of His Word ; and he shall reign forever. 
King of Kings and Lord of Lords, 
Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah! 

(Use concealed sopranos, altos, tenors, and bassos for 
this chorus. Near the end a child enters with a crown on a 
silken cushion. Esther kneels throughout the song. On 
the last line the King places the crown on her head,) 

Curtain. 

Note: // the Hallelujah Chorus is too difficult it may 
he omitted and the final tableau given to the accompani- 
ment of soft music by an orchestra or organ. 



A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHER 



The Third Act. 

Scene 1 : The same as the Second Act, but nine years 
later. Couches at left and at rear. Throne at right. 
Oriental cushions around stage, Ozoona reclines on couch 
at rear, Zuecca is seated on couch at left, Kazma sits 
on cushion on floor, her hack leaning against the rear 
couch. KoosH is seated on the steps of the throne, 
Jakosha lies on a fur rug at left. Soft music takes up the 
curtain. A song is introduced by Kazma. ^'The Winter 
Lullaby'' by DeKoven is recommended, 

Zuecca — 

I have been walking in the hanging gardens — 
Before the rise of the sun, listening to the birds, 
The nightingales in their cages, singing in their 

prison. 
Singing their songs of love and joy and life. 
Zuecca's heart gives back no echoing song. 
But like the birds I'm caged and long for freedom. 
Princess Zuecca of the royal blood is here. 
Within the palace of the King, a bondwoman. 
My thoughts fly back, riding on envious wings, 
Back to that fatal day nine years ago — 
The day he chose her Queen. 

OzooNA — 

Nine years ago? It seems but yesterday 
When we were summoned here before the King. 
High hopes filled many a maiden's heart that day — 
For each one longed to wear the imperial crown. 

63 



64 A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHER 

Jakosha — 

Ay, all but me. I'd faint from sheer exhaustion 
Were I the Queen. There's too much work to do, 
I'm far too delicate. 

KoosH — 

Ay, delicate indeed. Methinks a gentle pufF of wind 

Would turn you over like a thistledown. 

And yet, in spite of all, your appetite is good. 

Jakosha — 

If I could have my way, here would I dwell, 
Amid the perfumed lily beds of Shushan, 
Watching the colored waters of the fountains. 
Fanned by my slaves, attended by my maids. 
In dreamy indolence I would forget the world. 
And live to please myself, O rapturous day! 

KoosH — 

I'd rather peddle water in the streets. 
Or toil beside the oxen in the field. 

OzooNA — 

Where is her gracious majesty, the Queen.? 

ZUECCA — 

Mooning, belike, without her husband's gates; 
He will not let her in and like a babe 
She stands all day and gazes at his walls. 

Kazma — 

Princess Zuecca, malice drives thy tongue. 

Our gracious Queen still holds her husband's love. 

Zuecca — 

Indeed? Thou thinkest so? Pray let me think, 
When was the time she last appeared before him? 
Yesterday? A week ago? Two weeks? A month? 
For thirty days she hath not seen his face. 



A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHER 65 

KOOSH — 

Nor you, nor I, nor any other woman, 
The King is busy with affairs of state. 
He spends his days and nights with mighty Haman. 

ZUECCA — 

Be silent, slave, or speak of things you know. 

'Tis true my brother Haman is his friend 

And sits at his right hand, they plan great things. 

OZOONA — 

If I were Queen he'd not usurp my place ! 

ZuECCA — 

They plot the downfall of the Jewish race. 
Kazma — 

The Jewish captives will be slain, I hear. 

ZuECCA — 

The edict hath gone forth signed by the King. 
My brother Haman hath the thing in hand. 
Jakosha — 

What have they done to merit such a fate? 

ZuECCA — 

Haughty and proud they will not bend the knee 
To him the King delights to honor, my brother 

Haman. 
Therefore they must perish, women and men. 
The old, the young, even the babe in arms ! 

Jakosha — 

O speak not on such things ! It makes me shudder. 
Mine is a tender heart, so do not wound me 
With tales of slaughter. Rather let us gossip. 

OzooxA — 

A Jew once labored in my father's vineyard, 
A stalwart youth with eyes that burned like flame. 
A pity if they slaughter him, he'd make a husband. 
And there are many maids unwed in Shushan. 



66 A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHER 

ZUECCA 

My brother Haman says the Jews are sorcerers, 
And even sought to kill our noble King. 

Enter Hegai from right. The Ladies arise. 

Hegai — 

Make way, make way, room for our gracious Queen ! 
{The maidens group at left facing the right in a 
straight line,) 

Hegai — 

Make way for Esther, our noble Queen is here ! 

Enter Esther from right. The maidens how low. She 
returns their salutation and takes her place on the throne, 

Jakosha — 

Hail, Queen Esther, our beloved mistress! 
Esther — i^ 

Maidens, you may withdraw, I'd be alone. 

OZOONA 

Thy wish is our command, we'll wait your orders 
Beside the purple fountain in the grove. 
{Maidens raise their right hands and how, then hack 
out at left,) 

Hegai — 

My Queen is sad, can Hegai help thee.?^ {Kneels,) 

Esther — 

Nay, gentle Hegai, leave me to my sorrow. 
(Hegai rises, hows and exits at right,) 

Esther — 

I pace my terraced heights, my hanging gardens. 

Watching the gliding of the river Eulous 

Amid the flat and fertile plains below. 

From India to Egypt all is my husband's. 

The waters of the Nile, the sacred Ganges, 

E'en where Euphrates' waves wash Babylon's walls. 



A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHER 67 

Fed by the streams that flow down from this city — 
And I am Queen of all this mighty realm, 
Yet sad of heart am I. There in the gardens 

(Comes to front,) 
On green banks through the still and dreamy hours 
The yellow sunlight slumbers all day long, 
Steeping in golden mist the drowsy flowers, 
Hushing in sweet content the wildbird's song. 
And I, the Queen, stand mute before his walls, 
Anhungered and athirst to see his face, 
To hear him say, "Esther, beloved wife!" 

One night I stole without the city gates, 

(Goes to left.) 
E'en to the desert's edge to calm my heart. 
Stars dropped from heaven to see my bitter grief^ 
The moon was hid behind a pitying cloud, 
The frowning rocks said, "Esther, 'tis the end!" 
The sands replied, "O Queen, he loves thee not!" . 
For thirty days I have not seen his face. 
For thirty nights I have not heard his voice. 
But what are days and nights when love is dead? 
The thirty days hath dragged like thirty years. 

(Esther returns to the throne and sinks upon the seat,) 
Meesha enters from right and kneels at foot of the throne, 
Esther — 

Speak, Meesha! 
Meesha — 

God's peace rest upon us ! 
Esther — 

And upon our household. What are your tidings .^^ 
Meesha — 

I come from Mordecai. 



68 A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHER 

Esther (starts) — 

From Mordecai? How fares my noble kinsman? 
Is it well with him? You do not speak! Meesha ! 
Your face is full of agony, you cannot meet my eye, 

woe is me, my Mordecai is dead! 
Meesha — 

Not dead, beloved Queen, but sore oppressed, 
Bowed down by sorrow, with ashes on his head 
And girt in sackcloth, he is at your gates. 
Esther — 

Go bid him enter. I will see him here. 

(Meesha bows and exits at right,) 
Some icy fear seems clutching at my heart. 
The King's neglect, the mocking of my maidens. 
And Mordecai in sackcloth and in ashes! 
What can it mean? Methinks I read my doom, 
But I will lift mine eyes unto the Lord, 

1 trust the Living God, He'll be my guide. 

Enter Mordecai from right slowly and with head 
bowed down. He crosses to rear center, does not look at 
Esther, but raises his arms and eyes on high, 

Mordecai — 

Hear my prayer, O Lord, and let my cry 
Come unto Thee; hide not Thy face from me; 
My heart is smitten, withered like the grass, 
I have eaten ashes like bread, O Lord, 
And mingled my drink with weeping! 
Look down from the heights of Thy sanctuary. 
Deliver us, O Lord, from evil men — 
My soul cleaveth unto the dust, my heart 
Melteth for heaviness. Woe is me! 

Esther has watched him with terror during this speech, 
she comes timidly down from the throne and approaches 
him, Meesha enters from right and stands at rear. 



A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHER 69 



Esther — 

Mordecai, speak to me, my heart 

Will break in twain at your strange words. 
MoRDECAi {slowly looks at Tier) — 

Esther, art thou a daughter of Judea? 
Esther — 

Thou knowest it, my lord! 

MORDECAI — 

Dost love thy people? 
Esther — 

Love is too weak a word, I'd die for them. 
Tell me thy grief, why do you look so wild, 
What anguished hand put ashes on thy brow? 
A strange foreboding sweepeth over me, 
What mean thy words of woe? O speak, I pray! 

MoRDECAI — 

An edict hath gone forth signed by the King, 
It is a warrant for my death and thine 
And all the Jewish race within this land. 
The aged sire, the matron and the maid, 
Young men and old, the tiny toddling babe, 
All, all must perish at the King's command. 
{He hands scroll to Esther, who reads,) 

Esther — 

Unto the King's lieutenants and the governors 
Of every province, and to every people 
After their language : In the name of the King, 
And sealed with the King's ring, all the Jews 
Both young and old, little children and women. 
Shall be destroyed, killed and caused to perish 
In one day, even the thirteenth day of Adar, 
Their land and property shall be your prey. 
This is the King's command, signed with his seal. 

Meesha — 

Monstrous ! 



70 A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHER 

Esther — 

Some traitor's hand is here, I see it all — 

It is the work of Haman. (At center.) 

Meesha — 

And doth his hatred then extend so far 

That innocent and guilty all alike 

Must feel his deadly vengeance? (At right,) 

MORDECAI — 

Haman, that wicked prince, eyes with contempt 
All other mortals, and with haughty step 
He treads the earth as if he were the King, 
While envy, like a vulture, tears his heart. 

(At left,) 
Through him the cruel mandate hath gone forth 
Signed by the King. Two million of our people 
Are to be slaughtered, Israel's race 
To be exterminated. O woe is me ! 

Esther (Sinks to knees sobbing,) 

My crown doth clog mine head when thine's of ashes. 

Meesha— (Removes it,) 

Your life is safe, my Queen, for none suspect 
That you're a Jewess. 

Esther — 

Mordecai, arise, my heart is breaking 

At thy great grief. Arise, trust in our God! 

Mordecai (arises, assisted by Esther) — 

I will arise and I will trust in Him, 

My trust is in the Lord, even if I 

And all my people meet a fearful fate. 
Esther — 

O God, our hope and trust in ages past, 

(Speaks wildly.) 

Our guiding Hand in times that are to come. 

Raise us an instrument of salvation 



A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHER 71. 

To save our people from the oppressor's heel! 

Send a deliverer, God, to save us from destruction. 

MORDECAI — 

The Lord hath answered, I have heard His voice. 
The way is clear, deliverance is nigh. 

Esther — 

Deliverance ? 

MoRDECAI — 

It is the voice of God, 

{Turns slowly and looks at Esther.) 

Just now you said that you would give your life 
To save your people. Now hath come the time. 
The appointed time, when you must act for us. 
I've often pondered on the will of God 
That made you Queen, now all is clear to me. 
You were appointed to your high estate 
To save your people. Nations may rise and fall. 
And Queens may come and go, they'll be forgotten, 
But God hath raised my Esther to the throne 
To save the chosen people. Now and henceforth 
The name of Esther will resound throughout the 

ages. 
Not as a Queen, nor as a simple Jewish maid. 
But as the saviour of the Jewish race. 
The Lord hath spoken, you can save the Jews. 

Esther — 

I, Mordecai.'^ 

MoRDECAI — 

Even you. 
Esther — 

The edict hath gone forth, I cannot change it. 
The law of the Medes and Persians is unalterable. 
What can I do, I'm but a woman? 



72 A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHER 

MORDECAI 

Art thou a bruised reed, put on thy strength, 
Art thou a smoking taper, the Kttle spark 
Will glow into a flame, will kindle into fire 
And send its radiance far. Go in and tell the King 
That you yourself are of the hated race. 
That if they perish, you must perish, too. 

Esther — 

I dare not go before the presence of the King 
Without a summons, that is certain death. 
For thirty days I have not seen his face, 
The ardor of the King hath cooled and he 
Prefers the company of the wicked Haman. 

Meesha — 

'Tis true, if she appears before the King 
Unsought, it means a sudden, speedy death. 
It is a law honored by Medes and Persians ! 
And since she's lost her favor with the King 
How can she hope to save a hated people .^^ 

MoRDECAI — 

Esther, I love thee better than my life. 

You are the apple of mine eye, the staff* of mine old 

age. 
Full well I know the dangers of thy task — 
But you must brave his anger, risk disgrace. 
Even face death, to save the Jewish race. 

Esther — 

But I am young, my lord, and life is sweet. 

Meesha — 

Then do not hearken to his voice of doom, 
He says he loves thee yet he bids thee go 
Before the King to almost certain death. 
No, no, beloved mistress, hark to me 

{Kneels to Esther.) 



A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHER 73 

Retire within thy palace, bid him go, 
The Lord will save His people without you. 
I'm pleading for thy safety, Esther, for thy life, 
Bid him begone and save thy life! 

AfOKDECAI — 

Peace, woman, peace ! 

The bloody edict hath gone forth, the ring 
Hath passed from the King's hand. Must we perish 
A captive, scattered and a feeble people, 
Without a leader, no power of resistance? 
The land is terrified, desolation stalks 
Among the Jews, slaughter is imminent. 
Death letters have been written, but hear my words, 
The chosen people of the Lord, His race 
Shall never perish from the earth. Thy hand 
Shall save thy people, hesitate no more. 
Meesha — 

Nay, do not heed him ! Peace, Mordecai ! 

MORDECAI — 

For Zion's sake I will not hold my peace, 
And for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest. 
Esther, I wait thy word! 

- STHER — 

If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, 

Let my right hand forget my cunning, 

If I do not remember thee. 

Let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth. 

God hath established me upon the throne. 

Mine hour hath come, I'll go before the King. 
Meesha — 

No, no, dear Esther, it is certain death ! 
Esther — 

My people, Meesha, are as my heart's blood. 

Dearer than life, ay, than a thousand lives. 

Go, Mordecai, gather all the Jews 



74 .A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHER 

That are in Shushan, fast ye for me, 

Neither eat nor drink three days, by night or day, 

Then will I go before my Lord, the King. 

Meesha — 

Esther, you'll perish. 

Esther — 

Then will I go before my lord, the King, 
And if I perish, I perish ! « 

Tableau. 

Mordecai stands with hands crossed on breast looking' 
down, Esther in center with head and eyes looking up- 
ward, Meesha kneeling near her at right, sobbing with 
her face in her hands. 

Curtain. 

Scene 2: The same as before but four days later. The 
King is seated on the throne, Hegai stands before him. 

King — 

My heart is heavy, Hegai, with cares of state, 
I fain would rest, are all my guards without.'^ 

Hegai — 

Even so, O King! 

King — 

Rumors hath reached my ears that Haman's false, 

Fired by ambition he aspiring seeks 

To adorn his brow with mine own diadem. 

Indeed, to gain a point he'll condescend 

To mask the native rancor of his heart 

And smooth his venomed tongue with flattery. 

His fall is imminent. Stand thou without! 

Tj- (Hegai bows and exits at right,) 

I see it all. The slaughter of the Jews 
Is sought by him to fill my land with woe. 



A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHER 75 

But I am powerless now, my word is given, 

The edict hath gone forth sealed with my ring. 

But I will watch him close and all his craft 

And cunning shall avail him naught ; if he's a traitor 

He dies a traitor's death. 

(Hegai rushes in from right and kneels before the 
throne,) 

Hegai — 

Someone approaches in the outer chamber. 

jj-j^^ (The King rises in wrath.) 

Who dares approach my royal presence? 

Enter Esther from right, slowly, and followed closely 
by Meesha Zabeel. 

King — 

Who so rash as to court a speedy death .'^ 
What ho, my guards! {He recognizes her.) 

What, Esther, is it thou? (Sternly.) 

Why are you here, I did not summon thee! 

Esther (staggers back into Meesha's arms) — 
Alas, it is the end. Meesha, support me! 

King — 

She faints! My cruel words have killed her, 
Esther, my Queen, fairest among millions, 
Speak to me! 

Esther — 

mighty King, forgive me! 
King — 

1 welcome you! See, I extend the scepter. 

(The King sits on the throne and extends his scepter. 
Esther kneels at the throne and kisses the scepter. Mee- 
sha stands at the rear and Hegai at rear left.) 

Esther — 

O royal sire, I faint with gratitude. 



76 A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHER 

King — 

Then rise, my Esther, rise, this lowly posture 
Suits not with charms like thine, they should com- 
mand, 
And every heart exult in thy behests. Rise, Esther! 

Esther — 

Not till you grant my boon. 

King — 

Speak and 'tis thine, Esther, what wilt thou? 
Wide though our kingdom, let thy eager wish 
Search for some gift worthy of the Queen 
And by the glorious Bel, our worshipped god. 
Thou shalt not have denial, e'en my crown, 
Or half mine empire ! I, the King, have spoken ! 

Esther — 

This only I beseech of thee — my life ! 

King — 

Thy life.? 

Esther — 

The lives of all my helpless race that you 

By word and ring have ordered for destruction. 

King — - 

I do not understand. 

Esther — 

I am a Jew ! 

King — 

A Jew.? 

Esther — 

Even so, my lord, I am a Jew! (With pride.) 

King — 

You sprung from that vile race ? O woe is me ! 

Esther (rises) -^ (Sinks on throne,) 

This Jewish race, O King, that you deem vile. 
Can boast a record, mightiest e'er known. 
Extending back to Father Abraham's days — 



A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHER 77 

While other nations were but half barbaric, 
Dwelling in caves, like wild men of the north, 
E'en then our favored race was far advanced 
In knowledge, wealth and skill, in all that makes 
A nation good and great, her laws superior. 
And her leaders, men of good deeds and valor. 

When other peoples bowed the knee to gods 

Of stone and brass, the people of Judea 

Worshipped the Living God, He was their guide. 

He builded them the city of Jerusalem 

From all the corners of the earth men came to gaze 

Upon this mighty Jewish race to learn 

The secret of their greatness — 'twas their trust in 

God. 
But they, alas, forgot their heritage, 
They offered incense to the heathen gods, 
And for this grievous sin they were delivered 
Into the conqueror's hand, their land destroyed ! 
O King, I bend my knee for those poor bondmen 

{Kneels.) 
They've served their masters with fidelity. 
Obeyed thy laws and been thy loyal subjects. 

King — 

Haman hath said they would assassinate their King. 
Esther — 

The wicked Haman spoke with lying lips. 
King — 

My doubts are justified. Esther, sit beside me. 

In royal court, I'll do thy people justice. 

Hegai, there's a gibbet near the city gates. 
Hegai — 

A lofty gibbet, sire, 'twas made by Haman 

For Mordecai the Jew to hang thereon. 



78 A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHER 

King— 

Summon my guards and send them straight to 

Haman, 
Take him and hang him on that gibbet. 
Thus will I make amends. Hasten away, 
Thus perish all the traitors to the King. 

(Hegai bows and exits at left.) 
King {to Meesha) — 

Go summon Mordecai, I would speak with him. 
{Exit Meesha at left,) 

Esther and the King sit upon the throne. Music is 
heard from a concealed orchestra, some soft oriental selec- 
tion in march time. Enter the Rose Maids from the left, 
walking in couples, the first couple enters, advances to the 
throne, bows and retires to rear, while they are bowing 
the second couple are entering, etc. 

The Rose Maids line up at rear of stage facing the au- 
dience. Then enter Kazma and Ozoona from, left, they 
bow and then retire to rear left. While they are bowing 
Jakosha and Zuecca are entering, they retire to rear 
right. KoosH enters alone, bows very low and sits on the 
steps of the throne. 

Then the Children enter in couples, bow and retire to 
rear. They enter from right. The King and Esther 
nod graciously at their court as each couple bows. 

-^ Finally Hegai enters from left. 

Make way, make way for Mordecai, 

The man whom the King delighteth to honor. 

All the characters bow as Mordecai and Meesha enter 
from left, approach the throne and bow. 
King — 

Mordecai, my friend, preserver of my life. 



^ A DREAM OF QUEEN ESTHER 79 

Henceforth I make thee my chief counsellor 
In all my cares of state. On thee I do bestow 
All Haman's wealth and all of Haman's power. 

(Rises,) 
And from henceforth I break the heavy bonds 
That sore oppressed my faithful Jewish people. 
And from this day I honor equally 
The Jew and Gentile. Go rebuild thy temple 
People thy wasted cities, you are free. 

MORDECAI — 

This day shall sound in ages yet to come. 
King — 

Then celebrate it now and evermore 

With joy and music, 'tis the Feast of Purim, 

Always honor it for on this day 

The Jewish race was saved from dire destruction. 

Saved by a maiden, fairest among millions. 

Altogether lovely, Esther our gracious Queen! 

(All unite in singing) — 

SOUND THE LOUD TIMBREL. 

Sound the loud timbrel o'er Egypt's dark sea, 

Jehovah has triumphed, his people are free; 

Sing for the pride of the tyrant is broken. 

His chariots, his horsemen, all splendid and brave; 

How vain was their boasting, the Lord hath but 

spoken. 
And chariots and horsemen are sunk in the wave. 

Curtain. 



An Early Bird 

BY 

Walter Ben Hare 

COMEDY, in 3 acts; 7 males, 7 females. Time, 2l^ 
hours. Scenes: Private office of a railroad presi- 
dent; room in a cheap boarding house at Flagg 
Corners. Act I. — A bird in the tree. Act II. — A bird 
in the bush. Act III. — A bird in the hand. 

CAST OF CHARACTERS. 

Cyrus B. Kilbuck President of the P. D. Q. Railroad 

Tony Kilbuck His Son, Just Out of College 

Mr. Barnaby Bird The Boss of Flagg County 

Mr. Mulberry Chief Attorney for the Road 

Bruce Ferguson A Clerk in the General Offices 

Artie An Office Boy 

Mr. Perry Allen A Young Gentleman Farmer 

Jessamine Lee The Girl 

Mrs. Van Dyne An Agent for the P. D. Q. Railroad 

Imogene McCarty A Stenographer 

Mrs. Beavers ; From Flagg Corners 

Rosa Bella Beavers The Belle of Flagg Corners 

Mrs. Perry Allen Jassamine's Chum 

Dilly Mrs. Beavers' Hired Girl 

"You see that door? On the outside it says Pull, but 
on my side it says Push! Get the idea? I had no 
pull to make my way, only push! And it has made me 
a millionaire. Understand? Push!" Thus Kilbuck 
tells his son, Tony, who has been expelled from college. 
With unlimited nerve and a light heart, Tony starts out 
to carve his way to fame and fortune and to win the 
girl he loves. On the rough journey he meets one 
Barnaby Bird who figures strongly in the play but he 
outwits him, puts a big deal over on his father, wins 
the girl he loves and all's well. Comedy features are 
introduced by a coquettish stenographer, a fresh office 
boy, a country belle and her mother, a landlady of a 
Flagg Corners hotel and last but by no means least, 
Dilly, the hired girl. Price, 35 Cents. 

T. S. Denison & Company, Publishers 

154 West Randolph Street CHICAGO 



.*>53 



^dys for Schools and Colleges 



HIGH SCHOOL FRESHMAN 

By Charles Ulrich. Comedy in 
hours. 



^-z ^^ I I CO. 



THE KINGDOM OF HEART'S CONTENT 

By LIndsey Barbee. 

'ciles. Time, 2^ hoi. 



6 males. 12 fe- 
Price, 35 Cents. 



MACBETH A LA MODE 

By Walter Ben Hare. Burlett; 
-males. Time, 1^/4 hours. 



act:^: 7 males. 7 
Price, 25 Cents. 



Price, 35 Cents. 



MRS. TUBBS OF SHANTYTOWN 

By Walter Ben Hare. ( ;ome<l.> -vmum m 
males, 7 females. Time, 2ij. hours. 

A POOR MARRIED MAN ~^^ 

By Waiter Ben Hare. Farce-comedy in :i act.^, 

. A females. Time, 2 hours. Price, 35 Cents. 

A PRAIRIE ROSE ~ 

By Edith F. A. U. Palnton. Comedy-di*ama in \ 
7 males* 4 females. Time, 2V<> hours. Price, 35 Cents. 

THE REAL THING AFTER ALL 

By Lindsey Barbee. Comedy ii 
-males. Time, 2i/i hours. 



Si 7 males. 9 fe- 
Price,-35 Cents. 



liE-TAMING OF THE SHREW 



By John W. Postgate, Shakespearean travesty irvl act: 
6 males, 5 females. Time, 4.j minutes. Price. 25 Cents. 



RUTH IN A RUSH 

By Lindsey Barbee. Comei 
males. Time, 2^,^ hours. 

SAVAGELAND 



; r» males, 7 fe- 
Prlce, 35 Cents. 



By Walter Ben Hare. Musical comedy in _ h< i.^. 
fiales. 5 females. Time, 21/2 hours. Price, 50 Cents. 



SING A SONG OF SENIORS 

By Lindsey Barbee. Comedietta 
minutes. 

15TAR BRIGHT 



..... . . ■- .;o 

Price, 25 Cents. 



\ 



By Edith F. A. U. Palnton. Comedy-dramn in 3 
•6 males, 5 females. Time, 2^^ hours. Price, 35 Cents. 

ZARAGUETA OR* MONEY TALKS 

Translated from the Spanish by Clarence Strattcn. 

<^omedy in 2 acts; 7 males. 4 females. Time, 2 hours. 
^ Price, 35 Cents. 

T« S. Denison & Company, Publishers 

154 West Randolph Street CHICAGO 



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